Sunday, April 30, 2023

Roles of the Members of the Royal Family at the Coronation

 





Princess Anne

Being King Charles III's closest sibling, and long-time supporter, Princess Anne was always expected to have a prominent role at the coronation. It has been confirmed that the Princess Royal will feature in the procession as the prestigious 'Gold-Stick-in-Waiting' – a position historically handed to a person entrusted with the personal safety of the sovereign.

The poignant role will see Anne travel on horseback, behind the new King and Queen after they are crowned at Westminster Abbey, leading the larger procession featuring 6,000 armed services personnel.

Prince George

The Royal Family has announced that Prince George will take on the role of Page Boy at the King and Queen's coronation.

Eight Pages of Honour have been chosen to attend Their Majesties during the Coronation Service. The Pages will form part of the procession through the Nave of Westminster Abbey.

The King’s Pages of Honour will be His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay and Master Ralph Tollemache.

George will be carrying Charles' heavy robe during the coronation ceremony.  Charles has been practicing walking in his robe and one of George's jobs is to make sure his grandfather doesn't fall," she said. 

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

As for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, they're also expected to take part in the King’s coronation procession at Westminster Abbey.  The siblings will be the youngest to take part in the coronation plans, as Charlotte and Louis are both set to join their grandfather and step-grandmother as they leave Westminster Abbey at the end of the ceremony.

Despite their age, George and Charlotte are no strangers to taking part in processions as the siblings took part in one after Queen Elizabeth II's funeral last year. At the time, Louis was considered too young to join his siblings.

As well as playing important roles in the event itself, all three of the Wales children will watch as spectators and are also expected to make an appearance on the balcony.

Prince William

Prince William is heir to the throne, so it's no surprise that he is expected to play a major role across the big weekend. According to the Sunday Times, William will kneel and pledge allegiance to Charles, along with touching the St.  Edward’s Crown and kissing his father’s right cheek.

After the ceremony, William will then take part in the The Coronation Procession back to Buckingham Palace before making an appearance on the balcony.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

Catherine will be among the working royals taking part in the carriage procession and balcony appearance with her husband, who is next in line to the throne. I am looking forward to seeing her Coronation gown!

Camilla's five grandchildren

With Camilla having such a prominent role, royal traditions have been changed to accommodate the couple’s special moment – and a role that is typically performed by duchesses, will now be carried out by Camilla's five grandchildren during the Westminster Abbey service. All five children will hold the canopy over the Queen Consort as she is anointed with holy oil – possibly one of the most sacred roles of the entire ceremony. Her son Tom Parker Bowles has two children Lola, 15, and Freddy, 13, and her daughter Laura Lopes has Eliza, 15, and twins Louis and Gus, 13.

This break in tradition is really exciting to see from the couple--it highlights their blended family, something relatable for many others across the UK. Both the King and Queen Consort are divorced, with step-children and step-grandchildren in the mix, and choosing to involve loved ones who aren't official royals sends a strong message of inclusion.

As well as taking on the role of holding the canopy, Camilla's grandsons will be Page Boys on the big day too. The Queen Consort’s Pages of Honour will be Her Majesty’s grandsons, Master Gus and Master Louis Lopes and Master Freddy Parker Bowles, and Her Majesty’s great-nephew, Master Arthur Elliot.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie

Although they will not have a role in the ceremony, both Edward and Sophie will be in attendance and will make an appearance on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. 

Prince Andrew & Prince Harry

Plans for both of the princes are still up in the air, but I doubt we will see either of them take part in the coronation ceremony or make an appearance on the balcony at Buckingham Palace...eyeroll.

Here's who will be joining King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the iconic photograph moment:

Prince William, Catherine, and their three children--George, Charlotte, and Louis; Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, and Princess Anne and her husband Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Cousins to the late Queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra and also the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will also make an appearance on the balcony.

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